New International Version In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. New Living Translation For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. English Standard Version In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Berean Standard Bible In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Berean Literal Bible Its end is like a serpent—it bites, and like a viper it stings. King James Bible At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. New King James Version At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. New American Standard Bible In the end it bites like a snake And stings like a viper. NASB 1995 At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper. NASB 1977 At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Legacy Standard Bible At the end—like a serpent it bites, And like a viper it stings. Amplified Bible At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper. Berean Annotated Bible In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Christian Standard Bible In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Holman Christian Standard Bible In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. American Standard Version At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder. Contemporary English Version but later it bites like a poisonous snake. English Revised Version At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. GOD'S WORD® Translation Later it bites like a snake and strikes like a poisonous snake. Good News Translation The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake. International Standard Version Eventually it will bite like a snake and sting like a serpent. NET Bible Afterward it bites like a snake, and stings like a viper. New Heart English Bible In the end, it bites like a serpent, and poisons like a viper. Webster's Bible Translation At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. World English Bible In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIts latter end—it bites as a serpent, "" And it stings as a viper. Berean Literal Bible Its end is like a serpent—it bites, and like a viper it stings. Young's Literal Translation Its latter end -- as a serpent it biteth, And as a basilisk it stingeth. Smith's Literal Translation Its latter state it will bite as serpent, and sting as a viper. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut in the end, it will bite like a snake, and will spread abroad poison like a basilisk. Catholic Public Domain Version but in the end, it will bite like a snake, and it will spread poison like a king of snakes. New American Bible but in the end it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. New Revised Standard Version At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because the end of the wine is like a wound from a serpent and like a flying cockatrice. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like a basilisk. Brenton Septuagint Translation But at last such a one stretches himself out as one smitten by a serpent, and venom is diffused through him as by a horned serpent. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context True Riches…31Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. 32In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. 33Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities.… Cross References In the end Proverbs 5:4 in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Romans 6:21 What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. it bites like a snake Deuteronomy 32:33 Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras. Ecclesiastes 10:8 He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. Amos 5:19 It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. and stings like a viper. Psalm 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Romans 3:13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” Psalm 58:4 Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. Habakkuk 2:15-16 Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! / You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory. 1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Treasury of Scripture At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. at Proverbs 5:11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, Isaiah 28:3,7,8 The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: … Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? biteth Ecclesiastes 10:8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Jeremiah 8:17 For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD. Amos 5:19 As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. an adder Isaiah 59:5 They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Jump to Previous Adder Basilisk Bite Bites Biteth End Last Poison-Snake Serpent Snake Stings Viper WoundJump to Next Adder Basilisk Bite Bites Biteth End Last Poison-Snake Serpent Snake Stings Viper WoundProverbs 23 1. Consider carefully what is before youIn the end What begins as pleasure and indulgence brings ruin when its full consequences unfold. Pro 5:4 in the end she is bitter as wormwood, … it bites like a snake Sin deceives before it wounds, often striking when its danger has been ignored. Deu 32:33 Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison… and stings like a viper. Like venom spreading through the body, drunkenness brings pain, broken judgment, and lasting destruction. Psa 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction. 3. The Snake and the Viper These creatures are used metaphorically to describe the deceptive and harmful nature of certain behaviors, particularly overindulgence in alcohol, as discussed in the surrounding verses. Teaching Points The Deceptive Nature of SinJust as a snake's bite is unexpected and harmful, sin often appears enticing but leads to destruction. Believers must be vigilant and discerning. The Consequences of Overindulgence Proverbs 23:32 warns against the dangers of excessive drinking. Christians are called to practice self-control and moderation in all things. Wisdom in Decision-Making The imagery of the snake and viper serves as a reminder to seek God's wisdom in our choices, avoiding paths that lead to harm. Guarding the Heart and Mind Believers are encouraged to protect their hearts and minds from influences that can lead to spiritual and moral decay. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:32?2. How does Proverbs 23:32 warn us about the consequences of sinful indulgence? 3. What does "bites like a snake" symbolize in Proverbs 23:32? 4. How can we apply Proverbs 23:32 to resist temptation in daily life? 5. Which other Bible verses warn against the dangers of excessive indulgence? 6. How can Proverbs 23:32 guide our choices in maintaining a godly lifestyle? 7. How does Proverbs 23:32 relate to the dangers of indulgence and temptation? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 23:32? 9. How does Proverbs 23:32 reflect the broader themes of wisdom literature? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23? Verse 32. - At the last it biteth like a serpent. Wine is like the subtle poison of a serpent, which affects the whole body, and produces the most fatal consequences (comp. Ecclus. 21:2). Nachash is the generic name for any of the larger tribe of snakes (Genesis 3:1, etc.); the poisonous nature of its bite was, of course, well known (Numbers 21:9). Stingeth like an adder. The Hebrew word is tsiphoni, which is usually rendered "cockatrice" in the Authorized Version, but the particular species intended has not been accurately identified. There was some confusion in men's minds as to the organ which inflicted the poisonous wound. Thus a psalmist says, "They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent" (Psalm 140:3). But the verb "sting" is to be taken in the sense of puncturing, making a wound. Vulgate, Sicut regulus venena diffundet, "It will diffuse its poison like a basilisk:" Septuagint, "But at the last he stretches himself like one stricken by a serpent, and the venom is diffused through him as by a horned snake (κεράστου)." Solomon paints alcohol’s progression: appearing attractive, ending destructive. “In the end” reminds us to weigh ultimate results. “It bites” signals sudden pain; “like a snake” exposes hidden danger; “and stings” warns of lasting effects; “like a viper” shows the threat can be fatal. Scripture’s consistent testimony urges wisdom—avoid the cup that conceals a serpent and pursue the Spirit-filled life that brings true joy and safety. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In the endאַ֭חֲרִיתוֹ (’a·ḥă·rî·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 319: The last, end, the future, posterity it bites יִשָּׁ֑ךְ (yiš·šāḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5391: To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury like a snake כְּנָחָ֣שׁ (kə·nā·ḥāš) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5175: A serpent and stings יַפְרִֽשׁ׃ (yap̄·riš) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6567: To make distinct, declare like a viper. וּֽכְצִפְעֹנִ֥י (ū·ḵə·ṣip̄·‘ō·nî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6848: A serpent Additonal Resources Proverbs 23:32 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 23:32 Bible Gateway Proverbs 23:32 Bible.com Proverbs 23:32 NIV |
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